A-Z of Euro 2016

From surprise champions in Portugal to Spain's implosion and the excitement of Iceland, here's a look at the tournament's A to Z moments after the festivities in France came to an end.

A for alphabet

There is a new name on the Henri Delaunay Trophy after Portugal's shock victory over the host nation in the final. Fernando Santos' players became the tenth different country in the competition's history to win it.

B for Bale

Already a star at Real Madrid, Gareth Bale's exploits were key during Wales' impressive run to the semi-final at their first major tournament in over 50 years. Only teammate Cristiano Ronaldo was able to stand in the winger's way.

C for Conte

A Chelsea-bound Antonio Conte left a lasting impression in his final campaign as Italy coach with a robust three-man defensive set up limiting two of European football's super powers in the form of Spain and Germany.

D for Del Bosque

Another bowing out on the international stage this summer and also not in a preferred fashion, Vicente Del Bosque saw his Spain legacy end in ignominy after surrendering to Italy in a largely forgettable tournament for the holders.

E for Eder

Unfancied during a brief spell at Swansea City, Eder's place in footballing history was assured with a substitute appearance for Portugal in the final which culminated in his winning extra-time strike.

F for Fernando Santos

Portugal's rise to the pinnacle of European football was testament to the all-encompassing philosophy of its coach Fernando Santos. The 61-year-old also finds himself in good company as one of five elder statesmen to last win the Euros.

G for Griezmann

The pain of losing finals in both the Champions League and Euro 2016 is unlikely to subside for Antoine Griezmann but the Atletico Madrid forward can take solace in the Golden Boot award after recording six goals for France.

H for Hodgson

Amid the numerous eras ending in France came one which everyone expected. England's exit to Iceland proved to be the last straw for Roy Hodgson, who resigned immediately in the face of growing pressure.

I for Iceland

Set to the soundtrack of a warrior-inspired 'thunder clap' celebration, memories of the small nation that stunned the big guns by reaching the quarterfinals will continue to reverberate for years and decades to come.

J for Juego (play)

The footballing purists will not look back on Euro 2016 with any genuine fondness but the drama and fairy tale stories that it spawned more than made up for the dearth of on-field quality.

K for Kroos

In spite of Germany's underwhelming end to their bid for double dominance of international football, Toni Kroos' performances were a notable positive. It is easy to see why he was hailed as the competition's best midfielder.

L for Low

Will Joachim Low ever emerge victorious from these Championships? Defeated in the 2008 final and successive semi-final exits in the tournaments that followed suggests the Germany coach may face a fight to reach Euro 2020.

M for Maracanazo in Paris

It became the moment of the 1950 World Cup and now France have their own 'Maracanazo' moment. Portugal ruined the hosts' party with a strike midway through extra time to deliver another huge upset in footballing history.

N for Neuer

Only beaten from open play once throughout Germany's run to the semi-final, Manuel Neuer was Euro 2016's impenetrable wall. Rui Patricio and Hugo Lloris were able to surpass him as the tournament's best goalkeeper but not his feats.

N for Espana (Spain)

The signs for a third successive European crowned appeared promising for Spain but it was not to be. Many will wonder what might have been if Ivan Perisic and Croatia had not seen them dethroned them as Group D leaders.

O for ojo de halcon (Hawk-Eye)

UEFA confirmed an end to the days of contentious goals by implementing Hawk-Eye technology in all ten of Euro 2016's stadiums. The goal-line technology was rarely called upon but ensured the removal of any possible doubts.

P for Portugal and Pepe

Avenging the hurt of Euro 2004 served as a key motivation for both Portugal and Pepe in France. Real Madrid's veteran centre-back was among those who lost to Greece, 12 years ago, and endured knock-out exits in the two tournaments that followed. In France, however, he was exemplary as his country went all the way to long-awaited glory.

Q for Quaresma

Twice the hero for the new champions, Ricardo Quaresma's heroics belied his seniority as he delivered winning strikes in both extra time and a penalty shoot-out as Portugal advanced to the Paris showpiece.

R for Ronaldo

Heartbreak threatened to be the abiding memory of Euro 2016 for Cristiano Ronaldo. But Real Madrid's Champions League final hero went on to lift the trophy with Portugal after injury originally saw him tearfully stretchered off.

S for Security

The scars of the terrorist atrocities which devastated France last November were fresh in the mind ahead of Euro 2016. Islamic State's threat loomed over the tournament but tightened security measures ensured it came to nothing.

T for Torbe

The sex abuse scandal involving the adult film director saw several Spain players including David de Gea implicated and threatened to unseat the harmony in the holders' camp ahead of their European title defence.

U for UEFA and Villar

Spanish hands were on the trophy at least once following Portugal's triumph as Angel Maria Villar made the presentation to the winners. The RFEF chief will discover whether can continue as UEFA president in his own right rather than his current interim role when elections take place later this year.

V for Violence

Marseille will be synonymous with an unpleasant and early flashpoint of Euro 2016. Russian hooligans went on the rampage in the port before, during and after their country's group game with England at the Stade Velodrome.

W for Wilmots

They were the firm favourites for the tournament but Belgium's shock quarterfinal exit to Wales was a premature end for Marc Wilmots' side, who had the more favourable run-in of their European counterparts at the knock-out stage.

X for Xhaka

Brotherly love was a theme of the formative days of Euro 2016 as new Arsenal signing Granit Xhaka and sibling Taulant went head-to-head in Switzerland's opening clash with Albania.

Y for Yarmolenko

He was one of the most sought-after names in European football over the past 12 months but interest in Andriy Yarmolenko is likely to cool after he failed to shine as the Ukraine finished rock bottom of Group C.

Z for Zaza

Clearly Simeone Zaza failed to receive the message about penalty shoot-outs against Germany judging by his shuffling, staggered run-up that contributed to Italy's quarter-final exit at the hands of Joachim Low's side.